Brisbane's best local parks

Relax, kick, run, jump, walk, shoot, cook, laugh, fish and photograph at one of Brisbane’s many local parks and reserves. Brisbane’s brilliant weather year-round means its parkland spaces get plenty of use – discover somewhere new now.

Parks with views to relax by the water…

Brisbane’s true icon is the river – a snake of water that winds and slithers its way between our favourite suburbs. Within these suburbs lie some of the city’s best parks with spectacular views that look out over the water. South Bank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and New Farm Park, Davies Park and Newstead Park are five favourites whose lush grass fields roll right up to the river.

Not forgetting our bayside – sit by the sea to the south at Manly’s Bayside Park and the Wynnum Foreshore or head north to visit Nudgee Beach Reserve or Sandgate’s Arthur Davis Park.

Parks with playgrounds to entertain children in…

Fuel imaginations and keep the kids active at one of many child-friendly parks in Brisbane. Calamvale District Park features an award-winning tree-top skywalk; 7th Brigade Park has a fairy tower and rocket control tower; Colmslie Beach Reserve has an aquatic theme; Teralba Park has a vine maze; Hidden World Playground is a colourful wonderland; and Rocks Riverside Park has a half-court, junior playground, climbing net and fort, flying fox and water play area. Kalinga Park and Moora Park will spark imaginations with their inter-connected tree houses and wooden huts.

Lots of these playgrounds include accessible and inclusive play spaces to ensure children with a disability can join in. For a full list of accessible and inclusive playgrounds, see this list.

Parks to connect with wildlife…

Around Brisbane there are a number of parks and nature reserves that give you the chance to see wild and native animals in their natural habitats. Boondall Wetlands, Brisbane Koala Bushlands, Mt Coot-tha Forest, Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve and the Bayside Parklands are just some of the places you can visit to picnic, wander and explore the natural world.

Parks to plan a barbecue or picnic with friends…

It is always fun to see the look of surprise on an international visitor’s face when you tell them “oh yeah, and all our public parks have free barbecues”. More than 400 of Brisbane’s parks have barbecues, and if you don’t have a favourite spot, discover a new one on this list where you can host your next picnic with friends.

Parks to enjoy with your dog…

Don’t leave your furry friend behind – there are 120 off-leash areas for dogs in parks around Brisbane. Some have agility equipment for drills, and others are designed specifically for small dogs. Powerhouse Park within New Farm Park, Tuckeroo Park in Nudgee Beach and Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie are some of Brisbane’s busiest outdoor venues for dogs. Discover the full list of Brisbane’s off-leash dog parks here.

Parks that have wi-fi to work in…

Stay connected to the web while you reconnect with nature at 22 Brisbane parks that have free wi-fi. Take your office outdoors at King George Square, Oriel Park, Post Office Square, Kalinga Park, Forest Lake Parklands, City Botanic Gardens, Gregory Park, Orleigh Park and more. Read the full list of wi-fi parks on the Brisbane City Council website.

Parks with free exercise equipment…

Looking to get fit on a budget? More than 80 of Brisbane’s parks have free exercise equipment installed. Equipment and machines vary in each park, but expect to discover everything from rowing and stepping machines to simple chin-up or sit-up bars. If group exercise is more your thing, Brisbane City Council’s Active Parks program hosts 45-60 minute instructed circuit classes using the park equipment. Discover a map of parks with free exercise equipment here.

Parks with the most photographic views…

Brisbane’s photographers often stake out a spot in our parks to watch the sun set or rise with uninterrupted views. Take in the city and Story Bridge from Wilson’s Outlook, plan your picnic for the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs, head to Orleigh Park for brilliant city views (that very few know about), New Farm is the spot to sit among jacaranda trees in spring, Roma Street Parkland is our floral showcase and Mt Coot-tha gives you a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the whole city.